PEOPLE who have defied all the odds to improve life in Coventry through their selfless efforts are set to be recognised through a new award scheme....

PEOPLE who have defied all the odds to improve life in Coventry through their selfless efforts are set to be recognised through a new award scheme.

The Coventry Good Citizen Award has been launched to celebrate the actions of people in their day-to-day lives.

It could be a young child who devotedly looks after an older relative, a tireless charity worker who puts others first, or a worker, such as a postman or a milkman, who goes far beyond the borders of their own job.

The Coventry Good Citizen Award is administered by an independent advisory panel representing local organisations including Coventry Health Authority, West Midlands Police, Age Concern, the Coventry Bangladesh Centre and the Transport and General Workers Union.

The scheme, to be chaired by Judge Richard Cole, honorary recorder of Coventry, is completely independent and non-political and has the full support of Coventry City Council.

the people of the city will respond positively with lots of nominations.

"Inevitably the formal launch was over-shadowed by events elsewhere in the world. This scheme is a perfect example of showing how good can triumph over evil, and it is now down to the people of Coventry to make this work."

Judge Cole said: "It's a great honour to be selected to chair this committee.

"This is something that should be done for the good citizens of Coventry.

"It is open to anybody of all ages, and a whole range of people can be nominated, from those who have worked for charities for many years without recognition, to those who help others, have saved lives or pulled off great feats."

Sue Burgin, director of Age Concern in Coventry, said: "It is also about nominating special people who don't realise they're special."

The panel has already nominated the first person to get an award, which will be presented on September 27, but the name is not being revealed yet.

Meetings will be held regularly to consider nominations. A winner will be selected each month, and will be presented with a framed certificate at the month-ly council meeting by the Lord Mayor of Coventry.

Leaflets containing nomination forms will be available in community centres, doctors' surgeries, dentists, and hospitals around the city.